Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Potatoes is the ultimate comfort food meal, reimagined for the modern home cook. This recipe masterfully transforms the classic, oven-baked favorite into an incredibly tender and flavorful one-pot wonder that practically cooks itself. The slow cooker’s gentle, consistent heat works magic on the meatloaf, steaming it to a succulent juiciness that is nearly impossible to achieve in a dry oven, while simultaneously roasting the baby potatoes to a buttery, garlic-infused perfection in their own compartment. By forming a foil “boat” for the meatloaf, you ensure it holds its shape beautifully and allows any rendered fat to drain away, resulting in a perfectly textured loaf that is both hearty and satisfying. This method fills your home with an inviting, savory aroma for hours, building anticipation for a meal that is the very definition of homestyle comfort.
The brilliance of this dish lies in its simplicity and the harmonious cooking of two complete meal components without any flavor crossover. The meatloaf itself is a classic blend of lean ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, and savory seasonings, bound together with a simple panade of milk and breadcrumbs that guarantees a moist result. The potatoes, tossed with melted butter, garlic, and salt, become wonderfully tender with a soft, almost roasted skin. The final, crucial step is glazing the meatloaf with a sweet and tangy ketchup and brown sugar sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking, which caramelizes slightly and adds a sticky, flavorful crust that contrasts perfectly with the savory loaf beneath. This is a complete, balanced, and deeply satisfying dinner that requires minimal active effort for a maximum payoff, making it a reliable go-to for busy families and comfort food enthusiasts alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Complete One-Pot Meal: A perfectly cooked meatloaf and a side of flavorful potatoes cook together effortlessly in one appliance, making cleanup an absolute breeze.
- Unbelievably Tender Meatloaf: The slow, moist cooking environment of the crockpot produces an exceptionally moist and tender meatloaf that is far less prone to drying out.
- Hands-Off Cooking: Once assembled, the slow cooker does all the work, freeing you up for other tasks without needing to watch the oven.
- Classic Comfort Food: This dish delivers all the nostalgic, savory flavors of a traditional meatloaf dinner with unparalleled ease and consistency.
Ingredients:
For the Meatloaf:
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
For the Potatoes:
- 1 1/2 lbs baby potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
For the Glaze:
- 3/4 cup ketchup, divided
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Foil Sling
- Tear off a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, long enough to line one side of your slow cooker and extend up the sides. Spray the center of the foil with non-stick cooking spray. This will act as a tray for the meatloaf, holding its shape and allowing for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Meatloaf
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, milk, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Use your hands to mix gently until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing will result in a dense, tough meatloaf.
Step 3: Shape and Place the Loaf
- Transfer the meat mixture to the center of the prepared foil and shape it into a uniform loaf, roughly the size of your slow cooker’s insert. Carefully lift the foil and place it into one side of a 6-quart slow cooker, folding the foil up around the sides to create a contained “boat” for the meatloaf.
Step 4: Prepare the Potatoes
- Place the baby potatoes in a medium bowl. Pour the melted butter over them, then add the minced garlic and salt. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated. Pour the seasoned potatoes into the empty half of the slow cooker, next to the meatloaf.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6 hours. The meal is done when the internal temperature of the meatloaf registers 160°F (71°C) on an instant-read thermometer and the potatoes are fork-tender.
Step 6: Glaze the Meatloaf
- About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, stir together the 1/2 cup of ketchup and the brown sugar. Carefully remove the lid and brush this mixture evenly over the top of the meatloaf.
Step 7: Finish Cooking
- Re-cover the slow cooker and continue cooking on LOW for the final 30 minutes, allowing the glaze to set and caramelize slightly.
Step 8: Serve
- Using the foil as handles, carefully lift the meatloaf out of the slow cooker and onto a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve the sliced meatloaf alongside the garlic butter potatoes.
Tips:
- Don’t Overmix: The most common mistake in meatloaf is overworking the meat. Mix until the ingredients are incorporated and then stop.
- Potato Size: If your baby potatoes are on the larger side, consider halving them so they cook at the same rate as the meatloaf.
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure food safety. The meatloaf is safe to eat at 160°F (71°C).
- Customize the Glaze: Feel free to add a teaspoon of mustard or a dash of hot sauce to the ketchup and brown sugar glaze for an extra flavor kick.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover meatloaf and potatoes in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slices of meatloaf and portions of potatoes in the microwave. For a better texture, reheat the meatloaf in a covered oven-safe dish at 325°F (165°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Freezing: The cooked and cooled meatloaf slices freeze very well. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Slow Cooker Meatloaf and Potatoes is the epitome of hassle-free, homestyle cooking. It delivers a deeply comforting and complete family dinner with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy the classic flavors you love without ever turning on the oven. Enjoy
